6 Best Fountain Pens For The Money Under £200 UK 2018

Our review in this post takes a look at the best fountain pen ranges. The humble fountain pen may have been relegated a little with the wide use of technology, but a great pen can still make writing a treat, and always makes for a good present. In this review, we will be checking out some of the best fountain pens for the money available on the market today. Unlike some of our other reviews, the functions of fountain pens are all similar. Style and presentation are therefore key considerations that we have looked at. We have looked at different price categories, however all of our choices are under the £200 mark.

Cross is a well known brand within the pen industry and a reliable manufacturer of quality fountain pens. The Cross Apogee is no exception to that, with a weight that feels comfortable in the hand and a pen that is a pleasure to write with. The nib is beautifully crafted and this pen has a great quality feel straight away. The pen cap is well designed and fits comfortably onto the pen top.

Although expensive, you can easily tell the quality of the pen that you are purchasing, and the design will make a great gift for anyone who is a pen enthusiast and makes this one of the best fountain pens for the money available on the market today. Although an expensive option in the confines of our review, the quality and style make this worth the investment.

Plus Points

Beautifully crafted pen design

Good weight to the pen

Easy to write with

Well presented in a Cross box

Negative Points

An expensive option within this category

Specification

Brand Name: Cross

Model: AT0126-1MD

Dimensions: 14.1cm x 1.2cm x 14.1cm

Colour: Chrome

Weight: 40.8g

Our Opinion

A well designed and very stylised pen that would act as the perfect gift for those who are enthusiastic about fountain pens. Although this model is expensive, it is easy to see why, and the weight and easy writing nature of this pen add to the overall high quality feel. The Cross Apogee is ideal if you:

Another well known brand within the pen industry, Parker is associated with some of the best fountain pens of all prices and quality. The Parker Vector Premium offers a great mix of great design and durability, making it suitable across a wide range of uses as well as for a gift. Made in stainless steel, the streamline design is elegant, and the weight of the pen makes it easy to write with as does the stainless steel nib and the twin channel ink feed. The cap is well crafted and provides a good fit on the pen. Presented in a Parker gift box, this pen has the feel of being more expensive than it actually is.

Parker may not be as well known as Cross for high quality pens, however the Vector Premium proves that they are more than capable at the top end.

Plus Points

Streamlined stainless steel design

Well weighted and easy to write with

Feels like a more expensive pen than it actually is

Well presented in a Parker gift box

Negative Points

The top and bottom of the pen may detract from the overall design slightly

Specification

Brand Name: Parker

Model: S0908740

Dimensions: 17.2cm x 5.5cm x 3.7cm

Colour: Shiny Stainless Steel Chiselled

Weight: 81.6g

Our Opinion

At under £100, this pen from Parker is both practical and beautiful. The scratch resistant barrel means that this pen will last no matter how well often you are using it. With a weight and nib that makes writing easy, this would be a great gift for anyone at a price that is affordable. The Parker Vector Premium is ideal if you:

The second entry from Parker in this category sees a different take on the design, with a striking blue curved fountain pen finished in chrome trim. With a stainless steel nib and twin channel feed, this pen is easy to write although has less weight that others in this category. The stylised design makes for an easy grip, and this is a pen that really stands out. The cap is well crafted blending in with the body of the pen, although may occasionally become slightly loose. At a very affordable price, this option provides a pen of quality that you will not be afraid to use on a daily basis.

This second entry from Parker is less expensive than the first, and the design is one that may split audiences, however we thought that the quality and the different design helped it to stand out. When considering the best fountain pens for the money, the price is an important factor, and look, feel and design of this pen, at a price that is very affordable, make this a good choice.

Plus Points

Striking blue design

Stainless steel nib with twin channel feed

Cheaper that some other options in this category

Presented in a Parker gift box

Negative Points

Design may not be suitable for everyone

Weight of the pen is less than others in this category

Specification

Brand Name: Parker

Model: S0850790

Dimensions: 14.1cm x 1.7cm x 1.7cm

Colour: Blue chrome trim

Weight: 9.07g

Our Opinion

At under £70 this is a great option from Parker. The design of this pen may not be for everyone, however we thought it made the pen striking to look at, easy to hold and to write with. The chrome trim sets of the blue, and the nib makes for great writing. The Parker Urban Fashion Blue is ideal if you:

The cheapest entry in our review, the rosewood design with matching bamboo case is different to all of the other entries in our review. Mixing vintage style and elegance, this well crafted pen delivers fine quality writing. The weight of the pen is pleasing in the hand and this adds to the ease of writing.

The matching box in bamboo means that this option will act as a great gift but is also practical for everyday use. With rosewood or bamboo available for the pen design, this offers much for the money.

Although the design of this is vintage and therefore will not be for everyone, Dryden have created a pen of high quality that is a deserving entrant in our review.

Plus Points

Rosewood and bamboo design

Vintage look that is distinctive in style

Cheapest entrant in our review

Presented in a bamboo gift box

Negative Points

Vintage design will be too old fashioned for some

Specification

Brand Name: Dryden

Model: Rosewood / Bamboo

Dimensions: 17.6cm x 5.8cm x 2.6cm

Colour: Rosewood / Bamboo

Weight: 159g

Our Opinion

This effort from Dryden is under £20, and for that price offers a high quality pen available in either rosewood or bamboo. Easy to write with and presented in a well constructed box, this pen is ideal both for everyday use and also as a gift. At less than half the price of most entrants in this category, a set of these is a possibility. The Dryden is ideal if you:

The first entry from Sheaffer another brand that is synonymous with finely crafted fountain pens. The brushed chrome finish looks great on this pen, whilst the weight and the stainless steel nib provide a smooth writing experience. Offered in a gift box and with a timeless design, this pen sits comfortably within your hand when writing. The cap is well crafted and fitting smoothly to the pen, and the nickel trim helps to set off the rest of the design.

At an affordable price, this is a great offering from Sheaffer, and one that most people would be happy with.

Plus Points

Brushed chrome plate with nickel trim

Elegant ‘cigar’ styled design

Presented in a luxury gift box

Good weighting to the pen

Negative Points

One of the more expensive pens in our review

Specification

Brand Name: Sheaffer

Model: E034053 Prelude

Dimensions: 18.3cm x 6.8cm x 4.2cm

Colour: Metallic

Weight: 222g

Our Opinion

Sheaffer’s first entry in our review is a great effort. The modern finish of brushed chrome makes this pen look great, whilst the wight and feel of this pen when writing, let you know the quality of the craftsmanship. This pen works very well as a gift, although is one of the more expensive within our review. The Prelude is ideal if you:

The final entry in our review is another from Cross. The Calais Satin offers a modern design highlighted in chrome. The design inspired by art deco is classic, giving a great feel when you are holding this pen. The stainless steel nib delivers a smooth writing action. This pen weighs less than others within this category, however this comes as a result of a significantly reduced price tag. The cap fits well and continues the classic lines of this pen.

Offered with a gift box, this works well both for everyday use and as a gift for anyone. This is a truly stylish design from one of the best makers of pens and currently is one of the best fountain pens for the money available on the market.

Plus Points

Classic art deco inspired design

Comfortable to write with

Presented in a gift box

Great price

Negative Points

Not as heavy as other pens within the review

Specification

Brand Name: Cross

Model: Calais

Dimensions: 13.2cm x 1cm x 1cm

Colour: Metallic

Weight: 136g

Our Opinion

The second entry from Cross is our review provides a much cheaper option than the first. Cross provide quality pens no matter the cost, and the Calais is no exception to this. The style and design is great and the pen sits comfortable within your hand when writing. Although not as heavy as some other pens, it is just as stylish. A good option if you are looking for a cheaper pen for everyday use or as a gift. The Calais is ideal if you:

We have examined six great pens in this review, and whilst all would make fine presents, and are great to work with everyday, we believe that the Parker Vector Premium offers great affordability combined with stylish and modern design. We believe that this is currently therefore the best fountain pen for the money available. Click below to view it on Amazon.